When Miss E was born, I had an overwhelming feeling that something terrible was going to happen to her before the age of three. I know it sounds pretty specific, but that's because it was. I KNEW something bad would happen, but had no idea when, where, or what it would be. Would she be hit by a car? Kidnapped? Attacked by a dog?
As a psychologist, I reasoned with myself that my fear was simply "new mom" worry.
My intuition did not stop me from living life; we even moved across the world when Miss E was seven weeks old. Time went on, we got busy, Miss E was doing well and we were all happy and healthy. My intuition was still there, but it was pushed way back in my mind.
I remember the day I realized that the feeling was gone. It was shortly after Miss E was diagnosed and we were snuggling on the couch because she was in too much pain to play. The hair on the back of my neck stood up and it occurred to me: This is it. This is the terrible thing.
I was relieved that the looming feeling was gone. The "thing"had shown its face. Sometimes just knowing what you're up against makes you feel better. It doesn't mean that the "thing" isn't terrible, but at least you know how to deal with it.
Mother's intuition is a gift that we are given to help us protect our children. Trust your intuition, but don't let it control your life. Let your kids kiss some frogs without fearing the worst!